Automotive Systems Technology Diploma

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, AUT, TRN, and WBL

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-115		1
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. View course details for Success & Study Skills ‌‌
AUT-116		3
This course covers the theory, construction, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines and related systems. Topics include fundamental operating principles of engines and diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information. View course details for Engine Repair ‌‌
AUT-116A		1
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information. View course details for Engine Repair Lab ‌‌
PHY-121		4
This algebra-based course introduces fundamental physical concepts as applied to industrial and service technology fields. Topics include systems of units, problem-solving methods, graphical analyses, vectors, motion, forces, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, momentum, and properties of matter. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles studied as applied in industrial and service fields. View course details for Applied Physics I ‌‌
TRN-110		2
This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities. View course details for Intro to Transport Technology ‌‌
TRN-120		5
This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns. View course details for Basic Transp Electricity ‌‌
WBL-110		1
This course covers the basic knowledge necessary for gaining and maintaining employment. Topics include job search skills, work ethic, meeting employer expectations, workplace safety, and human relations. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully make the transition from school to work. View course details for World of Work ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AUT-151		3
This course covers principles of operation and types, diagnosis, service, and repair of brake systems. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock and parking brake systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems. View course details for Brake Systems ‌‌
AUT-151A		1
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum-boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock parking brake systems and emergency brake systems technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems. View course details for Brake Systems Lab ‌‌
AUT-181		3
This course covers the introduction, theory of operation, and basic diagnostic procedures required to restore engine performance to today’s vehicles equipped with complex engine control systems. Topics include an overview of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems, and emission control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the operation of and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel, and emission-related drivability problems using appropriate test equipment and service information. View course details for Engine Performance I ‌‌
AUT-281		3
This course utilizes service information and specialized test equipment to diagnose and repair power train control systems. Topics include computerized ignition, fuel and emission systems, related diagnostic tools and equipment, data communication networks, and service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform diagnosis and repair. View course details for Advanced Engine Performance ‌‌
ENG-110		3
This course is designed to develop informative and business writing skills. Emphasis is placed on the logical organization of writing, including effective introductions and conclusions, precise use of grammar, and appropriate selection and use of sources. Upon completion, students should be able to produce clear, concise, well-organized short papers. View course details for Freshman Composition ‌‌
TRN-145		3
This course covers advanced transportation electronic systems including programmable logic controllers, on-board data networks, telematics, high voltage systems, navigation, collision avoidance systems, and electronic accessories. Topics include interpretation of wiring schematics, reprogramming PLC’s, diagnosing and testing data networks and other electronic concerns. Upon completion, students should be able to reprogram PLC’s, diagnose and test data networks and other electronic concerns, and work safely with high voltage systems. View course details for Advanced Transp Electronics ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AUT-141		3
This course covers principles of operation, types, and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels. View course details for Suspension & Steering Systems ‌‌
AUT-141A		1
This course covers principles of operation, types, and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify steering and suspension problems, service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, and repair and balance tires. View course details for Suspension and Steering Systems Lab ‌‌
TRN-130		3
This course provides an overview of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. Topics include composition and use of alternative fuels including compressed natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, hybrid/electric, and vehicles using alternative fuels. Upon completion, students should be able to identify alternative fuel vehicles, explain how each alternative fuel delivery system operates, and perform minor repairs. View course details for Intro to Sustainable Transp ‌‌
TRN-140		2
This course covers the theory of refrigeration and heating, electrical/electronic/pneumatic controls, and diagnosis and repair of climate control systems. Topics include the diagnosis and repair of climate control components and systems, recovery/recycling of refrigerants, and safety and environmental regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair vehicle climate control systems. View course details for Transp Climate Control ‌‌
TRN-140A		2
This course provides experiences for enhancing student skills in the diagnosis and repair of transportation climate control systems. Emphasis is placed on reclaiming, recovery, recharging, leak detection, climate control components, diagnosis, air conditioning equipment, tools, and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the operation, diagnose, and safely service climate control systems using appropriate tools, equipment, and service information. View course details for Transp Climate Control Lab ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

See advisor for General Education substitutes.

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.